FOOTBALL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1078, 25 May 1882, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

The following “ Hints to Players ’’ are given in a manual recently published in Dunedin; they include some extracts from the “ Football Annual ” contributed by the hon. secretary of the Football Union :— Forward Players.—Good following up and playing together are the prime recommendations for forwards. Their duty is to work together in a body behind the ball, following it up doggedly when kicked by one of their own side, so as to be in time to charge down and spoil the play of an opposing back; not waiting for wind, but struggling on, in spite of all obstacles, to keep elose to the ball. Dribbling.—This should be practised more especially when the ball is close to tlie opponents’ goal line. A hard kick when the ball is taken through a scrimmage puts it into the hands of an opposing back ; by dribbling you carry it along with you. Drop-kicking and Passing.—A forward when tackled should endeavour to pass the ball back to another on his side, but a drop-kick will sometimes be more effective if the holder of the ball is not immediately tackled. The player should, however, remember to tick into touch, unless there is a chance of dropping a goal. Touch.—AV hen the ball is thrown out of touch, each forward should stand up bo and mark one of his opponents. Finally.—Let the forwards play unselfishly without noise or dispute, striving not for individual glory, but for the success of their side; always trying to back up and help each other. The highest praise that can be conferred on a forward is “ that he is always on the ball.” Back Players.—Back players should always endeavour to kick before allowing themselves to be collared, and, when kicking, to land the ball in touch, unless they are close to their opponents’ goal; they thus gain the ground they kick over; whereas, if they kick straight up the field, the ball will be at once returned by the opposing backs. They should also be careful to pass if tackled before they can kick. The ball should be held under the arm of a player when running on the side opposite to that 04

Which he is tackled so as to be ready for passing, Baeks should learn to kick with either foot, and think less ■of running in, and more of dropping at goal. Generally.—'Collar low, then try to hold the ball, so as te prevent the fielder passing on to one side. N .B.—Place kicking should be mere generally practised, so that the result ■of a match should not be left to chance. Leather straps across the soles of the boots will be found of great service to players in preventing their slipping. Strict reliance should be placed in the ■captain and umpire, and no disputing among players. For oontintmtton of ntiot tet Uh pagt.